129-38 Landform Mapping with Lidar in Floracliff Nature Sanctuary and Elk Creek Falls Watershed, Central Kentucky, USA

Abstract:

Floracliff Nature Sanctuary is a topographically diverse natural area in central Kentucky, containing narrow ravines, steep slopes, bedrock cliffs, and waterfalls. The sanctuary’s guided hikes are a popular attraction; however, in April 2025, a landslide occurred, destroying part of a trail. Concern about the potential for future landslides highlighted a need to better understand how the landscape evolves in this area. Geomorphic landform maps can provide insight into the geologic and hydrologic processes that shaped the current landscape. Using statewide 5 ft lidar data and its derivatives, as well as existing landform workflows and glossaries, we mapped 16 distinct landform types in Floracliff and sections of the surrounding Elk Lick Creek watershed. We updated the landforms glossary to be specific to this area with newly identified landforms, as well as tested an automated GIS workflow to map the remaining watershed and compared it to the manually mapped landforms. We made a number of observations from the manually generated landforms map: a connection between landslide activity and specific landforms, a new subtype of an existing landform morphometry with strong correlation to bedrock, potential relict landforms, and a notable lack of depositional landforms. These observations simplify a more complex record of regional landscape evolution and indicate that Floracliff Nature Sanctuary is an erosion-limited landscape likely conditioned by the reorganization of the Ohio River affecting the Kentucky River. Further research for this area could include investigating correlations between landform types and other natural characteristics (e.g., soil infiltration) and undertaking additional automation efforts to attempt to improve matches to manually mapped landforms as preliminary tests had a weak match. Strengthening the automatic mapping process would allow for mapping and interpretations at larger scales.

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